Correlation Between Lower Extremity Length, and Speed, Agility, and Muscle Strength in Athletes According to Sex

PURPOSE: To analyze the correlation between leg length (femur, tibia, and total leg length) and key physical fitness components (muscular strength, muscular endurance, power, agility, flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance, and anaerobic power) in elite male and female athletes across various sports disciplines.METHODS: Data from 273 athletes (168 male, 105 female), who underwent anthropometric and physical fitness assessments, were analyzed. Both absolute and relative leg lengths (standardized to height) were examined.RESULTS: Longer tibial length combined with shorter femoral length was associated with greater agility in male athletes. In contrast, female athletes with longer total leg length exhibited higher anaerobic power. Female athletes with shorter tibial length and longer femoral length exhibited better muscular endurance. Power was positively correlated with leg length among male athletes. However, there was no significant correlation between leg length and cardiorespiratory endurance in either sex.CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggested that advantageous segmental proportions in the lower limbs may vary according to sex and may be associated with specific components of physical performance. These results may serve to inform the development of preliminary guidelines for athlete selection, evaluation of sports-specific suitability, training programs, and injury prevention strategies.